What is MelaFind?

How Does it Work?

MelaFind is first and only FDA-approved diagnostic tool used during a skin exam or mole check to give your dermatologist more information about an irregular mole. The dermatologist can use this information, along with his or her own clinical expertise, whether or not to take a biopsy (tissue sample). MelaFind uses light and advanced computer technology to let your dermatologist see beneath the surface of your skin and obtain hidden data from a mole as deep as 2.5mm. The data is then processed by the MelaFind system, which uses an advanced computer program to analyze the features of the mole. In under a minute, MelaFind will provide the dermatologist with 100% objective information about the growth patterns under the skin of potentially harmful moles. They are classified as “High Disorganization” output, or a “Low Disorganization” output. This is an indicator of the extent of peculiar cellular growth patterns under the surface.” />

Is MelaFind a body scanner?

No. MelaFind should not be used on all your moles. MelaFind should only be used on irregular looking moles that your dermatologist wants more information about.

Is it painful?

No. Because it uses light and only touches the surface of the skin, MelaFind is painless.

Melafind does not replace biopsy as a method of confirming malignancy, but it does give doctors a clearer picture than visual inspection alone on which moles should or should not be biopsied. The new technology is the first of its kind to gain FDA approval.

Doctor’s Approach is the first practice in Mid-Michigan to utilize Melafind to detect cancerous moles. For more information on Melafind and other leading edge technologies in the greater Lansing and Mid-Michigan area, call Doctor’s Approach at (866) 915-9152.